DIY: Light bulb change 2003 TL-S

dammitjim · 10-01-2008, 10:20 PM

I don't know if my search isn't working, but I have yet to find a good DIY for just changing the light bulbs on a 2003 TL-S with pictures. Granted, I will probably fall short of details, but please feel free to add to this.

The reason why I did this DIY is because I had to just check if my lights were ok vs. my ballasts or igniters. I was hoping it was the bulbs, but they work after the swap... so I guess it's my ballast.

So, I started by removing the big black plastic piece that covers the top front (over the headlights and grill).
There are multiple plastic snap-ons that should come off easily by using a flat head screw driver.

See the long piece on the floor:

Then on the passenger side I removed the windshield wiper fluid container top:

See how it is almost impossible to get into the bulb casing:

After taking it off:

Then use the torx security key #20 and twist the plastic cap clockwise and you'll see just the igniter:

After that, just twist the igniter cable counter-clockwise and pull it out. That will uncover the back of the lightbulb. There are those famous clips that hold it in place. Just push it in (at the bottom) and it will release it. Don't unscrew the screw on the top that holds it in place. I think that's where a lot of people have trouble. Once the bulb comes loose, just pull it out (making sure the bulb doesn't touch anything including your fingers or the clip).

On the driver side, you have to do a little more work.
Remove the cover next to the battery and air filter. It's a black piece that goes all the way to the bottom. After removing the clips, just pull and it will pop out.

After removing it:

Then remove the air filter casing. There are two screws that hold it in place. One on the way bottom and another one closer to the little fuse/relay box. Also, you have disconnect the intake rubber hose and unsnap the cable that is held by the casing.
After removed, this is what you have left:

Finally, remove the black cover (take off the snap-ins).

Then you are left with the cover to the headlight, which you remove just like the passenger.

If you have questions, let me know. I am going to have to take this stuff apart one more time when I get a new ballast. Then I can add it. BTW, anyone out there selling a ballast for an 03 TL-S? I would greatly appreciate getting one w/o paying dealer prices.

Happy bulb changing!

This ad is not displayed to registered or logged-in members.
Register your free account today and become a member on Acurazine!

Rajca · 10-01-2008, 10:29 PM

nice diy, kris made one a while back over in the DIY section

6MTUA5 · 10-01-2008, 10:44 PM

should have taken out the intake resonator too

TheMegalodon · 10-01-2008, 11:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 6MTUA5

should have taken out the intake resonator too

haha I was just going to say the same thing. Trust me man, for the amount of effort it takes, it is so worth doing. You'll fall in love with the sound of your TL all over again. If you want your car to growl to you in WOT it's a lot cheaper than a new catback exhaust. 'Cept a new exhaust would be nice...

dammitjim · 10-02-2008, 7:38 AM

Can you guys post the link to the DIY that was done a while back? I'm interested to see what else I should have done.

Also, which one is the resonator?

xdxlx · 10-02-2008, 7:41 AM

yeah ive been wanting to take out the intake resonator too! DIY

dammitjim · 10-02-2008, 9:02 AM

BTW... this is the DIY that follows what I didn't have pictures for:
http://tl.acurazine.com/forums/showp...24&postcount=2

fog80 · 10-02-2008, 9:07 AM

Thank you. This diy is a lot clearer than the other one in the diy section. I am about to change my bulbs and I really wasnt sure what I was looking at in the other diy.

6MTUA5 · 10-02-2008, 9:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dammitjim

Can you guys post the link to the DIY that was done a while back? I'm interested to see what else I should have done.

Also, which one is the resonator?

(one of) The resonator(s) is the big black plastic assembly that was under your stock intake. You take off the bumper and remove a few nuts/bolts and it comes right out. Just frees up the air going into the bottom of the intake and gives it a nice little growl. You can see the top of it in your picture(s) below.

On the right, sticking up from below

Middle of the pic here, the big plastic assembly you can see the top of

N Pizzle · 10-04-2008, 12:44 PM

Is it better to get both resonaters removed or just one?

john0530 · 06-06-2009, 11:38 AM

Thanks thats great!

10-02-2008, 7:41 AM	#6
xdxlx Registered Member Trader Rating: (0) Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Houston Age: 22 Posts: 199	yeah ive been wanting to take out the intake resonator too! DIY __________________ 03 ABP TL-S -20% tint all around - tein basics - debadged - xs power headers - viper alarm - kenwood dnx7120 headunit - custom tweeters - 2 12" alpine type-r with alpine mrd-m605 mono amp

10-01-2008, 10:29 PM	#2
Rajca wham bam thank you ma'am Trader Rating: (8) Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Illinois Age: 21 Posts: 10,779	nice diy, kris made one a while back over in the DIY section __________________ 02 SSM TL-S:: TOTALED by mother nature 03 SMR CL-S6::track car:: way too many parts to list, most of them custom [in work]

10-02-2008, 7:38 AM	#5
dammitjim Registered Member Trader Rating: (0) Join Date: Jan 2007 Age: 34 Posts: 80	Can you guys post the link to the DIY that was done a while back? I'm interested to see what else I should have done. Also, which one is the resonator?

10-02-2008, 9:02 AM	#7
dammitjim Registered Member Trader Rating: (0) Join Date: Jan 2007 Age: 34 Posts: 80	BTW... this is the DIY that follows what I didn't have pictures for: http://tl.acurazine.com/forums/showp...24&postcount=2

10-02-2008, 9:07 AM	#8
fog80 Registered Member Trader Rating: (0) Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: maryland Posts: 87	Thank you. This diy is a lot clearer than the other one in the diy section. I am about to change my bulbs and I really wasnt sure what I was looking at in the other diy.

10-04-2008, 12:44 PM	#10
N Pizzle Registered Member Trader Rating: (0) Join Date: Dec 2006 Age: 22 Posts: 76	Is it better to get both resonaters removed or just one?

06-06-2009, 11:38 AM	#11
john0530 New Member Trader Rating: (0) Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 1	Thanks thats great!